Emma Jones

I’m running the London Marathon 2025 to fight for lung health!

My running journey began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little did I know back then that running would become part of my routine and that I would be sharing the news with you all that I will be training and completing my first ever marathon – and not just any marathon, the London Marathon!

There are a few reasons why I have set myself this incredible challenge. Firstly, the feeling that running brings me personally. Over the past 4 years, I have achieved some running milestones, including running 10 miles at the Great South Run in Portsmouth in October 2022 and I finished the Birmingham Half Marathon in May 2023. The overwhelming feeling of accomplishment I got when I crossed the finish line was indescribable. Running gives me a sense of purpose and achievement and I love working towards something that challenges me personally.

Another reason why I have decided to put my love for running to the test is because I have pledged to raise some money for charity, specifically, Asthma + Lung UK. This charity holds special meaning to me because I supported my partner, Jack, fundraise for them back in 2022, and his mum, Tracey, in 2018, during their own London Marathon training. Jack was diagnosed with total anomalous pulmonary venus return (TAPVR), a rare heart defect, when he was born, and tracheo-oesophageal fistula which required multiple open-heart surgeries. He was also diagnosed with asthma when he was growing up, which, as those who also have it will know, brings its own sorts of challenges such as struggling to breathe and constantly feeling like you have a tight chest – Jack describes the feeling as breathing through a straw all the time. It’s a reminder of how precious healthy lungs are, and something I sometimes take for granted.

With 1 in 5 of us developing a lung condition during our lifetime, and a new diagnosis every minute, the fight for lung health is crucial. Asthma + Lung UK are the only UK charity that fight for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs. Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK’s nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice.

On a final personal note, another reason why I am running the London Marathon next year is in memory of my nan and grandad, who both sadly passed away in May 2023 and March 2024. I know they would have been so proud of me if they knew I was taking part.

I will be doing some fun things to help raise my target of £2,000 throughout the rest of the year and into 2025. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make, or even just some words of encouragement to help me through the training!

Thank you.